tmn charts Chart Analysis February 14, 2020

Hayley Marsten’s ‘Spectacular Heartbreak’ hits the Country Hot 50

Former Assistant Editor

Hayley Marsten continues to prove her pedigree on the Aussie country music scene, with her latest release ‘Spectacular Heartbreak’ making its debut on the TMN Country Hot 50 this week.

The first single off her eponymous new album lands at #36 in the first week since its release, and is the highest-debuting track.

‘Spectacular Heartbreak’ was playlisted by some of Australian country radio’s big hitters, including Kix Country, 98.9 FM and Australian Country Radio in the week following its release.

Kix’s influence was felt, in particular, in helping Marsten crack the Country Hot 50, with the station spinning the track almost twice a day.

The album it shares a name debuted at #5 on the iTunes Country Album Chart after its release.

The latest milestone for Marsten comes after a huge 2019 that saw her nominated for Alt Country Album Of The Year at the Golden Guitars and Country Song of the Year at the QLD Music Awards, as well as a 20-date headline tour.

She also toured alongside the likes of Fanny Lumsden and Troy Cassar-Daley over the course of the year.

Speaking of the process behind creating the record, Marsten said; “I had spent so much time writing about all the hurt and sadness that had inspired the album that I was feeling disappointed and regretful, but writing this song made me come to terms with everything and realise that I don’t want to be scared to open my heart in case it doesn’t work out.

“So instead I focused on the stuff that happens on the other side of heartbreak, the spectacular stuff.”

‘Spectacular Heartbreak’ has also been tipped for potential crossover to commercial radio, placing on TMN’s Singles To Radio in its week of release, so watch this space.